How to Dial In "M.I.A." by Foo Fighters - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "M.I.A."
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From There Is Nothing Left to Lose (1999). There Is Nothing Left to Lose is the third studio album by American rock band Foo Fighters, released on November 2, 1999, through Roswell and RCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Classic through a Mesa Boogie Mark V, the rig we use for Foo Fighters' other songs from There Is Nothing Left to Lose, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "M.I.A." Tone
What guitar did Foo Fighters use on "M.I.A."?
The guitar on "M.I.A." (released 1999) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Classic above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "M.I.A." need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 5, Treble 5.5, Presence 5, Volume 6. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "M.I.A." without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "M.I.A." tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "M.I.A." by Foo Fighters are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.